18 Suspects Committed to High Court Following Kailahun Disturbances

Principal Magistrate Hadiru Daboh of the Eastern Province has officially committed 18 individuals to stand trial at the High Court, ruling that the prosecution established a prima facie case against them in connection with the civil disturbances in Kailahun Town on June 21, 2026.

The ruling, delivered on July 15, 2026, in Court No. 1 of the Kenema Judicial District, followed a review of police statements and evidence presented by the prosecution. Consequently, Magistrate Daboh denied bail for all 18 defendants, ordering that they remain in custody until their appearance in the High Court.

The suspects face a 14-count indictment arising from coordinated attacks on the Pendembu Road Police Barracks and adjacent residential properties. The charges include conspiracy to commit a felony, arson, malicious damage, housebreaking and larceny, and incitement.

Court documents allege that the defendants conspired to set fire to Block 152A of the Pendembu Road Police Barracks, a facility under the custody of the Sierra Leone Police. They are further accused of causing malicious damage to both Blocks 152A and 152B.

Furthermore, the prosecution contends that the group unlawfully breached residential quarters within the barracks, stealing a wide array of valuables, including cash, electronics, household appliances, police uniforms, and motorbikes. Notable complainants include Abu-Bakr Kallon, Mohamed Seidena Kanneh, Christian Caulker, and others.

The fourteenth count specifically singles out Jenneh (Jeneba) Senesie for incitement, alleging that she encouraged the other defendants to commit the acts of arson, malicious damage, and theft during the unrest.

The 18 individuals committed to trial are Momoh Musa (alias Investor), James Ndogbo (alias Fastest), Jenneh Senesie, Karim Bockarie, Davis Alpha, Momoh Kallon, Maada Kpulun, Alhaji Kallon, Samuel Yopoi, Ibrahim Saidu, Momoh Janga, Jusu Baimba, Momoh Kanneh, Alie Sesay (alias Jolojolo), Lamin Nabieu, Amara Morie, Daniel Amadu (alias DJ), Amara Sidie Baimba.

The matter now moves to the High Court for further proceedings. All defendants remain presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.